Want to know more about Japan? Want to watch some Japanese movies?

Director Ms. Egusa, speaking to the audience

In order to spread the awareness of Japanese culture, the Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) has decided to hold a series of free Japanese film screenings at the Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne. We were able to attend a film screening on Thursday 5 June which comprised of two films; Can You See Our Lights? – First Festival After the Tsunami and Kiki’s Delivery Service.

© NHK Corporation

Can You See Our Lights? – First Festival After the Tsunami
Although many cities in Japan were devastated by the 3/11 disaster, several towns in Takada-ward decided to proceed in their annual Tanabata Festival. Filled with recovery spirit, this film documented the perseverance of several festival committee members who were able to make the festival a success with the assistance of former residents.

When we asked a group of teenage girls who watched this film with us on what they felt about this film, they gave us the following response, “…it felt very inspiring that even after the earthquake they did that [continued with the festival] It really shows tradition in Japan is still alive and well!”.

One lady said she “…was very impressed with the willpower and community spirit of the Japanese people” and another respondent said “… it was a very beautiful documentary that showed the strong spirit of the locals to continue their custom and traditions in the wake of an immerse disaster.  I enjoyed this program very much.”

© Studio Ghibli

Kiki’s Delivery Service
One of Hayao Miyazaki’s popular animated films, this movie tells a story about Kiki, a young witch moving out of her home to gain life experience. Getting off to a rough start settling in a coastal town, she deals with her insecurities, delivery service and her moody broomstick. Tackling each day with her friends, she begins to make this new town her home.

Look at the happy audience!

As Kiki’s Delivery Service was shown as part of the school holiday special, many young children came in with their mothers. There were also a lot of high school kids too. At the end of the movie everyone clapped and cheered!

Some members of the audience have commented that the movie “…was very cute and enjoyable” and they have “…enjoyed watching Kiki’s Delivery Service”. One of the mothers told us that it was a “nice show with happy ending, Kiki’s good for children!”

One even asked if they “could watch other Studio Ghibli movies too?”

There was no doubt that everyone had fun – another success by Hayao Miyazaki!

At the end of the event, we heard many positive comments such as it being “a very good event to share the rich Japanese culture”, “well organised and very enjoyable” and that it “should carry on every year!”

“Thank you for showing us these beautiful films!”

Hrmmm, what should I wish for?

By the way, JICC also has a tanabata wishing tree set up! In Japanese, tanabata means “evening of the seventh” which is the only day lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi are allowed to meet each other. If you write your wish on a tanzaku (paper strip) and hang it on the wishing tree, it may come true! Good luck!

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JICC has more film screenings lined up for you!

They will all be screened at the JICC Consulate-General of Japan which is located on Level 8, 570 Bourke Street, Melbourne 3000.

Entry is free but seating is limited so bookings are essential.
Please RSVP by sending your contact details to [email protected]

5th Film Screening (Jul 25)
Éclair Sweet Journey directed by Akio Kondo (M)
「エクレールお菓子放浪記」

©"eclair" Production Committee

Date and time: Wednesday 25 July 2020; 5:30PM – 7:45PM*
*There will be no entry after 5:50PM due to security restrictions

6th Film Screening (Aug 22)
Quartet directed by Juichi Mimura (G)
「カルテット」
Date and time: Wednesday 22 August; 3:00PM – 5:00PM

Setting Sail from the Ruins produced by NHK Corporation (G)
「ガレキのなかから再出航～漁業の町・若手県大船渡市～」

©NHK
Date and time: Wednesday 22 August; 5:30PM – 6:00PM

7th Film Screening (Sep 26)
Haru’s Journey directed by Masahiro Kobayashi (PG)
「春との旅」
Date and time: Wednesday 26 September; 3:00PM – 5:00PM

Setting Sail from the Ruins produced by NHK Corporation (G)
「ガレキのなかから再出航～漁業の町・若手県大船渡市～」
Date and time: Wednesday 26 September; 5:30PM – 6:00PM

Report and photos: Grub